Portugal Takes Steps Towards Excluding Chinese 5G Tech Suppliers

Portugal's cybersecurity council is set to issue regulations potentially barring telecom operators from utilizing Chinese equipment for their 5G mobile and 4G platforms. This move could have major implications for Chinese tech heavyweight Huawei and its ambitions in the Portuguese market.
5G
5G

Portugal’s Council for Cybersecurity (CSSC) is poised to release a resolution that might effectively exclude telecommunications operators from using Chinese tech in their advanced 5G mobile networks as well as the foundational 4G platforms.


The CSSC, a consultative body to the Prime Minister, drafted a document on May 23, which adds another hurdle to Huawei’s bid to penetrate the 5G market in Portugal and potentially renew existing contracts. According to a law passed in August of the previous year, the government reserves the right to command “the exclusion, limitations on usage, or discontinuation of use of equipment or services” provided by telecom companies. This legislation also establishes the conditions and deadlines for compliance.

There was no immediate commentary from the government.

Portugal’s leading operators, Altice, NOS, and Vodafone, have already indicated that they won’t employ Huawei’s gear in their 5G core networks. This is in line with Europe and the U.S.’ apprehensions that involving Chinese technology in vital infrastructure may jeopardize security, an assertion that Beijing and Huawei have rejected. Portugal’s present 5G networks are non-standalone and largely reliant on 4G equipment and technology.

The CSSC, without explicitly mentioning China or any Chinese providers, pointed out a “high risk” to security posed by suppliers or providers under the control, interference, or pressure of governments that meddle in their activities in third-party nations.

This stance is based on a confidential report that examined the security of equipment employed in public electronic communications networks involving 5G technology.

The council also highlighted security threats associated with countries that don’t have agreements on data protection, cybersecurity, or intellectual property protection with Portugal or the European Union, or aren’t members of the EU, NATO, or OECD.

In a statement, Huawei mentioned that it had “no prior awareness of, and wasn’t consulted about this issue.” It is currently collecting information about “the nature of the assessment” and expressed its hope to continue serving clients in Portugal. Europe is turning into a tech battlefield amid the rivalry between Beijing and Washington, and if Huawei is excluded, European rivals Ericsson and Nokia could establish a supplier duopoly.


Recent Content

Paul Warburton, Chief Digital and Marketing Officer at NSC, explores the transformative potential of private 5G networks, which offer enhanced performance, reliability, and security. These networks are set to revolutionise industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics by providing robust, low-latency communication solutions. However, the widespread adoption of private 5G faces significant challenges, including a limited vendor ecosystem, compatibility issues with legacy systems, complex regulatory frameworks, and heightened security concerns. Paul believes that overcoming these barriers requires collaboration between technology providers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders. By balancing innovation with established practices, the full potential of private 5G networks can be unlocked, leading to a new era of connectivity and operational efficiency across sectors.
The CROFT project, led by Skyports Drone Services and funded by the UK Space Agency, is set to explore 5G-enabled drone deliveries in Orkney, Scotland. This initiative unites leading experts to develop scalable drone services, enhancing connectivity for remote communities using cutting-edge space technologies.
Deutsche Telekom, in collaboration with Volkswagen Group Logistics, BIBA, and Unikie, is revolutionizing port logistics at the Emden terminal through the “AutoLog” project. Utilizing 5G network APIs and an edge data center, the project aims to enhance efficiency, safety, and sustainability in automotive terminal operations, addressing challenges such as increasing vehicle volumes, skilled personnel shortages, and space limitations.
Event Start Date: 8th Oct, 2024
Event End Date: 10th Oct, 2024
Location: Las Vegas Convention Center, West Hall
Free Discovery Pass Code: FVPDEGBNPV
Appdome’s new GenAI-powered Threat Resolution Center revolutionizes mobile cybersecurity by providing real-time, context-specific solutions to mobile threats. The service, showcased at Black Hat USA 2024, drastically reduces threat resolution time and enhances user experience by enabling mobile support teams to quickly identify and resolve attacks.
Learn how Drei Austria, Three Group Solutions, and Frequentis leverage a 5G private network to enhance mission-critical services. This advanced technology ensures reliable and secure communication for first responders, even during extreme weather and major catastrophes, improving public safety operations and response times.

Currently, no free downloads are available for related categories. Search similar content to download:

  • Reset

It seems we can't find what you're looking for.

Download Magazine

With Subscription

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Scroll to Top